Council trials new tool for getting ideas

Environment Southland is trying something new to engage Southland residents in discussions around water quality.

Two online, interactive sessions will be held on the Council’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/environmentsouthland, on 17 September and 27 October from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Policy and Planning manager Anita Dawe said staff and councillors will be available online to answer questions and discuss ideas around the proposals in the engagement document – 'Towards a new plan - water and land'.

“In particular, we hope to reach people who are unable to attend our community drop-in sessions. Anyone who has an interest in Southland’s water quality is welcome to join in the conversation.”

Questions can be posted on the event now and will be answered on the night. Anyone can watch the conversation, but to post a comment or question, you’ll need to logon with your own Facebook profile.

The scheduled community-based drop-in sessions had already generated a lot of ideas and these can be viewed on on.fb.me/1POrUHn

Ms Dawe said ideas and input could be made through the form in the engagement document, via the Environment Southland website, emailed or even phoned in. “We’re trying to get as much information as possible, to make sure we get the right outcomes for Southland.”

Councillors will consider all the feedback, and it will be used to inform a proposed Water and Land Plan early next year.

More information and further drop-in session times can be found on www.es.govt.nz/waterandland/

ENDS

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